IBA president Umar Kremlev has teased an ambitious plan to stage Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbievโs potential trilogy in Russia.
After expressing his interest in what would be a controversial location at best, Kremlev has now begun talks to bring the two light-heavyweights to the city of Ekaterinburg.
In their compelling rematch last month, Bivol, 24-1 (12 KOs), avenged his defeat to Beterbiev, 21-1 (20 KOs), after claiming an identical majority decision on the judgesโ scorecards.
Not only did he seize the undisputed crown at 175lbs, but the 34-year-old has also established himself as a top five, possibly even a top three, pound-for-pound star.
Yet now, while a rubber match with Beterbiev is seemingly on the table, Bivol has also been presented with a potential clash against former super-middleweight titlist David Benavidez.
According to ESPN journalist Julius Julianus, promoters Matchroom and PBC are close to finalising an agreement for the intriguing showdown to take place this summer.
Kremlev, however, is determined to scupper their plans and instead persuade Bivol and Beterbiev to collide in a third encounter at Russiaโs newly-built UGMK Arena.
While he is seemingly yet to speak with either fighter directly, the International Boxing Association president has nonetheless met with Sverdlovsk Region governor Evgeny Kuyvashev in a bid to secure the venue.
Since losing its Olympic recognition, the Russian-led boxing body has crossed over into the world of professional boxing while also organising this yearโs Womenโs World Boxing Championships in Niลก, Serbia.
Nevertheless, it does seem that, at this stage, there is plenty more work that needs to be done for Kremlev to get his goal over the line.
